The alarming number of mental health issues is a cause for concern. According to statistics, 1 in 4 adults in the UK experience a psychiatric illness in a given year; 50% of mental health concerns surface as a person enters into his teens. On top of that, 75% of the psychiatric issues strike at the age of 24.
Similarly, the rates of depression and anxiety among the youth are also soaring. As of 2014, nearly 19.7% of the people in the UK, aged 16 or above, exhibited symptoms of depression or anxiety. This number has swelled by 1.5% since 2013.
Sadly, a significant number of people do not get medical attention. Fortunately, however, you can look after your psychiatric well-being before the problem gets out of control. Adoption of several uncomplicated measures can help boost mental wellness including eating brain-friendly foods and exercising regularly.
One such effective approach that can enhance your psychiatric health is practising therapies. Not only do these improve the brain’s functioning but are fun as well. Let’s walk you through some exciting mental health therapies:
CBT thought record
The stigma surrounding mental health issues can make it hard for many people to accede to the fact that they need help, and it is understandable. In cases such as these, a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) thought recorder is an excellent way to record and reflect on your thoughts.
Available in the PDF format, this file allows users to log in their thoughts and emotions. You can also add the trigger points that make you feel in a specific manner. Once done, a person can reflect on his thoughts. Essentially, this practice gives you first-hand knowledge about CBT. Research also reveals that such a therapy is effective in modifying thoughts.
Voice dialogue
This intervention is dedicated to calming the various voices that yell in your mind. Often, a person can feel internally divided because he is not into a matter fully. In simple cases, this means that a voice in your mind agrees with a notion; the other part, however, rebels, planting the seeds of internal conflict.
In such times, it is best to practice a voice dialogue with a facilitator. This unorthodox therapy helps a person deal with general life challenges as well, which include parenting challenges, relationship obstacles, sports coaching, and so on.
Adventure-based therapy
This is another potent and fun mental health therapy. It is, particularly, helpful for adolescents. Research confirms that such a therapy can significantly impact the mental well-being of teens. In one study, 95% of the participants considered the intervention beneficial.
Needless to say, adventure therapy is thrilling. It assists in personal development and improves mental health in several ways. For instance, spending time outdoors, amid nature, can reduce one’s anxiety, stress, and depression. Furthermore, it can also instil positivity in an individual who is coping with mental issues.
Sandplay intervention
Psychologists commonly use this trick for treating folks and children who are nervous about expressing their thoughts and emotions. It works to establish an inner peace that spirals the potential for complete personality development.
Typically, the sandplay therapy consists of a sand tray that is painted blue at the base and sides representing water. The tray contains sand and is paired with miniature figures so that they can be arranged in any way a person wants. As the person fashions the sand and figures, he can improve his psyche as it develops fuller and healthier configurations.
Facebook groups
Sometimes, all it takes to improve an individual’s psychological well-being is reaching out and talking to someone who comprehends his mindset and problems. To this end, a fun mental therapy is to join relevant Facebook groups that can connect you with understanding people.
It’s best to join closed groups that require an administrator’s approval to post something. This is an essential precautionary step to take since open groups allow anyone to post anything, which may prove to be harmful to those who have mental health issues.
Two incredible support groups include Anxiety/Depression Mental Health Support Group and Mental Health Inspiration (Support & Awareness).
Virtual reality
Psychology has been somewhat slow in adopting technological advancements. Thankfully, mental health interventions have finally welcomed tech to use virtual reality (VR) to enhance psychiatric well-being.
Psychologists use virtual reality intervention for several aspects of clinical assessment. These are also helpful in offering treatment and rehabilitation. For instance, VR is used to assist in the treatment of PTSD and strengthening memory in Alzheimer’s patients that many brain test reviews point out.
Meditate regularly
Meditation changes your brain and the way the body responds to stress. In doing so, it can significantly help deal with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Therefore, it is a great idea to dedicate a regular time to meditation. It yields extensive health merits including improved mental health.
Additionally, it also encourages good sleep that, in turn, corresponds with psychiatric well-being. Hence, it is ideal to allot a month for practising meditation. It’s best to start your day with it so that you don’t give up on it with the excuse of excess workload or a busy routine. You can go to a studio or practice it at home with the aid of a meditation app.
Gratitude jar
A fun therapy for improving mental health is to set up a gratitude jar or journal. Researchers outline that participants who jotted down positive events at the end of the day and noted what made them happy lowered their stress levels. They also felt an improved sense of calmness.
Therefore, try to maintain a gratitude jar or notebook. Add at least five entries to the journal or jar. It will bring positive thoughts to the fore so that negativity and sad thoughts are pushed away, promoting good brain health.
Also, according to blog psychologist, Dennis Relojo-Howell, keeping a blog can benefit your mental health.
Takeaway
Maintaining your mental health is critical for saving yourself from sinking into a flood of unhealthy thoughts and other psychiatric concerns. If left untreated, it can bud into severe problems and negatively impact the quality of your life. If you are going through a mental condition and don’t want to seek professional help for the time being, then it is best to pursue fun therapies and take care of your psychiatric health.
Michelle Joe is a mental health blogger who also loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences, and express herself through her blogs.
